1861 AprilThe Corps was sent to Richmond, where cadets drilled Confederate army recruits. The commanding officer during this trip was Major Thomas J. (Stonewall) Jackson, who had joined VMI's faculty in 1851 as professor of natural and experimental philosophy and instructor of artillery. Jackson accepted a commission and left for active duty soon after the Corps arrived in Richmond.

1861 July 4The Class of 1861 was graduated as of this date.

1861 December 6The Class of 1862 was graduated as of this date.

1862 January 1The Institute reopened in Lexington. Cadets who would have been First Classmen had graduated early and were already serving in the military.

1862 MayThe Corps was ordered to aid General Jackson's forces during the McDowell campaign. The cadets, commanded by Scott Shipp, marched in pursuit of Federal troops but were not engaged in battle.

1863 MayGeneral Stonewall Jackson died on May 10 from wounds received at the Battle of Chancellorsville, and his body was returned to Lexington for burial.

1863 August-DecemberThe Corps was called into the field to defend against the raids of General William Averell, but were not engaged in battle.

1864 May 15The Battle of New Market.The Corps, again under the command of Scott Shipp, marched into battle along with General John C. Breckinridge's forces against Federal troops led by General Franz Sigel. Ten cadets were mortally wounded.

1864 June 11Federal troops, under the command of General David Hunter, entered Lexington. The Corps retreated to a camp in the Blue Ridge near Balcony Falls. VMI was burned the next day by Hunter's soldiers. On June 25 the Corps returned to Lexington, only to be furloughed two days later.

1864 October 1Corps assembled at Camp Lee, near Richmond, VA. Engaged in military duties in trenches around Richmond, but no academic work took place.

1864 October 27Corps encamped at Poe's Farm as infantry support for nearby battery; comprised part of the Confederate Forces of the Department of Richmond.

1864 December 12Moved from Poe's Farm to Alms House, Richmond; some cadets granted 10 day furlough to procure clothing and supplies.

1864 December 28Academic work resumed at the Alms House in Richmond, VMI's temporary headquarters.

1864 March 11 - April 1Cadets called to man portions of Richmond defensive lines.

1865 April Corps disbanded on April 2 at the Alms House, on eve of evacuation of Richmond by Confederate Forces; each cadet found his way home or elsewhere as best he could. A considerable number of them followed the canal to Columbia, Fluvanna County, and dispersed there. Gen. Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox on April 9.

1865 October 17VMI reopened in Lexington. Academic work resumed just 6 months after the end of the war.

The VMI experience is framed by relevant education within a military environment. It’s an education that develops character, fosters a lifelong appreciation of physical fitness,engenders a sense of responsibility to others, and cultivates
the ability to master adversity.